Effectiveness of Retro Walking on Pain, Functional Limitation and Range of Motion in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder which is progressive in nature. It is one of the major health problems that causes pain, functional limitations resulting in reduced quality of life. It involves damage to the articular cartilage and surrounding tissues causing osteophyte formation. Knee osteoarthritis is common among adults with the most common symptom being mechanical pain. As the prevalence of the disease is increasing, there is a need for a reliable exercise protocol that will be beneficial for the patients. Retro walking is a newer concept in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis. Studies suggests that retro walking reduces patellofemoral joint compressive forces and further trauma to the articular cartilage. This study aimed to see the effectiveness of retro walking on pain, functional limitation and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to see the effectiveness of retro walking on pain, functional limitation and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study with 30 subjects aged above 50 years. Subjects were divided into two groups, 15 in each. Group A (Case group) received retro walking with conventional treatment and Group B (Control group) received only conventional treatment, for 9 sessions, 3 days/week for 3 weeks. Outcome measures were WOMAC, VAS and ROM of knee joint, measured before the treatment and consecutively after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of intervention. Results: After analyzing the data recorded on 1st day and after 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of intervention, it revealed that there was similar improvement in both groups after the 2nd week. But Group A showed significant improvement after the 3rd week of intervention than control group. Conclusion: Analysis of the data collected over time for both groups showed significant results and improvement. It was seen that the average decrease in VAS after 1st and 2nd weeks of intervention was not significantly different for both groups. However, after 3rd week of intervention, the average decrease in VAS score was significantly higher for the case group compared to the control group (p- value =0.020). The average decrease in WOMAC Score after 1st and 2nd weeks of intervention was not significantly different for both groups. However, after 3rd week of intervention, the average decrease in WOMAC score was significantly higher for the case group compared to the control group (p-value =0.016). The increase in the value of ROM of knee was significantly different for both groups after 2nd week itself.